8.31.2010

New Dress A Day!

Reallll quick - this blog is listed in my links section under other fun sites, but in case you haven't had a chance to check those out, wanted to draw your attention to this crafty, creative lady!

Inspired by the movie Julie & Julia she decided to do a variation and for the next year to forgo traditional shopping and rely on thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales... "365 days. 365 new outfits. 365 dollars."

I must say, I'm very impressed with her work! She starts with a lot of bold, awful looking pieces and finds a way to make it work! Here are a few before and after shots from her blog!

She is up to day 275 with 90 days and $91 left to go!! What do you think? Could you do this?

1 week!

I start my first ever big girl job in 1 week!! Let the wild rumpus begin!!! ;) Nah, gonna keep it cool!! I'm hosting a family birthday / anniversary party for the in-laws tomorrow night so I'll have an excuse to get the apartment in pretty good shape which always helps my outlook! Wouldn't mind playing dress up later in the week to put together a few outfits and then will need to get lunch food to pack and yeah! the end! So excited to learn more about what to expect!! I have no clue how much orientation I will have to endure, but I can probably guarantee it will be a faster process than at the VA!

I had a great weekend in Kentucky visiting the husband! Proportionately I spent more time without him than with him (as he had to work all weekend), but it was worth it! I was talking to him the other day about how every now and then someone on facebook will have a status about how she has to be apart from her husband for the weekend and how she just doesn't know how she will ever deal with it... I'm looking forward to being in that situation in the future! Getting to spend the majority of my time with him and finding it strange when he has to go for the weekend. That feels like a looong way away, but mostly because I'm so sucked into the reality of the here and now. Anywho, something to look forward to! :)

A lot of people wonder what our future looks like! I do too, believe me! We really have no way of knowing. We've talked about when he is back to take that opportunity to move to a town / state of our own. We discussed the west coast and parts of Tennessee.. but that is so much up in the air! I would like to say that at some point, for at least a year or two, we'll move away, but that may not happen either. His career goals are still in the working / formulating stages, so a lot will depend on how that shapes up. One thing that we know we want to do is go on a second honeymoon! Not only is it fun to think about and eventually start to plan, but a getaway will be much needed after time apart.

I don't have any pictures from this weekend to share, so how about some of the cats! ;)

We buy her toys.... but she loves paper bags and twist ties!

The fivvy girl!
OK! That's it for now! Coffee cup is empty, so that must mean it's time for my butt to start moving!

8.27.2010

8/26/2010

Happy Friday!! I'm stressing a bit this morning trying to get everything done before I visit my love, so I will make this quick!

Yesterday was so fantastic! First of all the weather was perfect!! There was zero humidity and it was so nice to have cooler temps! It made me giddy!! Mom and I went out to lunch and even sat outside! Unbelievable! We did a few errands around town and stopped by one of the local farmers markets! P.S. I just learned that our mall is starting a farmers market on Thursdays, too!

Here are some pics!
Nothing like some pretty guitar music to set the tone!
Actually starting to like these guys!!
Aren't these pretty?!?!
After dinner, my parents provided the entertainment!! You will probably have to turn your volume up pretty loudly to hear!

My parents were practicing the above video in prep for a "music night" that they are going to tonight! Love it!
And this one is just funny :) An outtake, if you will! Excuse the shaky camera! Never got the song on camera, but it is John Prine's The Frying Pan, and one of Dad's favorites!

8.25.2010

Oh my yoga!

After recommendations from a friend (shout-out to Annette!) I went to the store with a list of 5 or so good yoga dvds. I ended up with Jillian Michael's video and oh my word!
I think Jillian and I can be friends, but she sure is going to kick my butt each and every time I do this video! I made it a good 20 minutes into her first 35 minute work out and oh my yoga! It's going to be great! This video is so much easier to work out to than my first yoga purchase from half price books featuring the lovely Patricia Walden in a full body white leotard (which I guess is a unitard? do these still exist?) and an 80's or 90's style blue and pink backdrop...
The video was for beginners, which I definitely am and the cover didn't scream 80's unitard.. so it seemed like a good start, but I could not take Patricia's calm, soothing voice - it just wasn't motivating and her leotard was incredibly distracting! So you can appreciate what I'm talking about, please at least just take a look at a minute of her video which I found on YouTube..."Hello, I'm Patricia Walden... I look forward to sharing my experience of yoga with you.." ahh!

Will keep you posted on my yoga progress!

8.24.2010

Hello, job!!

Well readers, it is official!!! I got a call from HR this afternoon (mid yoga workout!) and I officially accepted the offer! Work starts Sept. 7! Sweet!!! As my mom said the other day when I got the offer, God is good! While I have been unemployed much longer than I would have ideally wished, it was nice to have the time to get the apartment set up, figure out my surroundings, and be flexible so I could have as much time with Mike as possible. The timing really is perfect. What a blessing!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I will be working with the Council On Aging (COA). I am really impressed with this organization and can't wait to start working for them! I will be a care manager in the Elderly Services Program (ESP). I am sure I will have much more to fill you in on once I start work, but for now, this is what I know / think I know about my NEW JOB!!! :)

The overall mission of the agency is to "enhance the lives of adults by assisting them to remain independent at home through a range of quality services." ESP serves individuals 65 and older. Unlike another similar program at the COA, future clients do not have to be Medicaid eligible and severely disabled to qualify. This will offer a little more flexibility, I am hoping. COA helps set up in-home care services including housekeeping, personal care, medical transportation and home-delivered meals. I will be the client's advocate and help to make sure that they receive all the proper care and services, answer any questions the client or their family has, and help with other case management related tasks.

During the interview I learned I may have somewhere close to 120 clients, but will not have frequent contact with the majority of them. The contact level will be determined by their level of care. So, yeah! I also like that ESP in particular tries to help individuals who may otherwise fall through the cracks. A lot of people do not qualify for Medicaid but still cannot afford to pay privately for in-home care, so this is where we step in! I love this aspect of it! This is definitely something that can be so frustrating and disheartening working in this field - you know people fall through the cracks!! I'm thankful that I will be able to reach out to individuals and help with this so they can get the care they need! Fabuloso! 

Thanks to family and friends for their support through this process! <3

8.23.2010

G-ross.

ok I know I've already posted 3 times today, but I have to share. I just had one of the most disturbing things happen!! Mid shower, the water turns murky. At first I think I cut myself then I realized oh no, that's not just a cut! Stupid me, forgot that the apartment complex sent out a flyer warning us that they would be working on the water hydrants today and not to do any laundry! Well, not having a washer and dryer in our apartment I tossed it out and didn't think anything else of it! Ohhh how disturbing, how disturbing, how disturbing!!! Blek!

Figuring this stuff is not good for my body or hair, I hop out (shampoo still happily in my hair) wrap my hair up in a towel and freak out in disgust! eww! ewww! eww!! Then whether in reality or in my head, I decide that my body is itchy and burning! Great. I debate driving to my parents house to rinse off, but figure the logistics of the wet, drippy hair would be tricky. I call the apartment complex to remind myself how long they were working on the water. Apparently they were done and I would just have to run water for "a couple of minutes." Probably 7-10 minutes later the water is mostly clear and I hop back in and rinse off (after cleaning the tub). Eww I still feel icky and bleh!! I'm so glad I'm not more of a germaphobe or I would probably be convulsing!! Gross. Well ladies and gents, lesson learned. Save miscellaneous flyers for further review, and get out of the shower asap if the water goes murky!

Me likey!

I've given my blog a mini update by adding a few of my favorite fashion, food and other random blog /websites as well as labels for certain posts. Check them out!

Ok - a few fav. products that I've recently discovered / am enjoying right now!

1) Most of you know my OPI obsession. I just got two new colors and tried The Color to Watch first! It is in the Swiss collection line and is a shimmery lilac, lavender, silver color with hints of blue and pink. Personally, I think it is pretty fun! At times it feels kinda little kid girlie because of the shimmery brightness and other times I feel it blends in and strikes me as a more vibrant neutral? I dunno. It's definitely unique! I struggle with having loud colors on my finger nails, and this definitely doesn't feel loud.. juts feels like a good color for end of summer! Because of the shimmer factor, it took 3-4 coats to really cover the nail and make it opaque!
2) Burt's Bees just came out with two new-ish products in their lip balm collection: Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Acai Berry and Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter! I picked up the Acai Berry and was curious to see how similar it seemed to the Pomegranate, but I love it even more!! It seems more nourishing! I miss the tingling from the original, but think this is a keeper! Also makes a good planned impulse buy since it's inexpensive!
3) Vino! Dad introduced me to this red wine, Rex-Goliath! I have only tried the Cabernet Sauvignon and love it! It is decently priced and rather tasty! A good one to have on hand, in my opinion, and it's easy to spot because of the rooster!
4) Stinky pits? I've been on the search for a new deodorant for some time! I feel like I've tried many types within Dove, Suave, Secret, and Degree product lines, but never found a favorite! I recently purchased Lady Speed Stick for the first time in.. maybe ever? and think I've found my new favorite! I like that it doesn't pill up... white deodorant clumps are just disgusting and need to be avoided! I picked up the Stainguard in Daringly Fresh scent. This product claims to fight the yellow stains that happen on white t-shirts and reduce the white residue on clothes! Magic! I can't speak to that, yet, as I've only had it for a few weeks.. but worth trying!
5) Ok so I debated for awhile about reviewing this next product, but clearly decided to do it! Prepare for awkward cringe.. NOW. I picked up a new type of pantyliner! Even intimate products such as this need revamping every now and then! This product is good because it can fit different styles of underwear. 'Nough said.
Have you tried any new products that are worth sharing?

Chinese Chicken Salad

Goooood morning! I've been meaning to copy this recipe for myself and figured I'd blog about it too!!! Unfortunately I haven't personally made it, so I can't give you step by step extra Tina suggestions to go along with the recipe, but I have tasted its yumminess. Worth sharing for sure, just not sure how easy it is to make from experience.

2 pictures of the same thing - this one from Ezra Pound Cake's blog
This recipe comes from Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa Parties! book and is called Chinese Chicken Salad. So here is my dilemma. In the copy I have from my mom's recipe (which appears that it is right from the book) the amounts are all doubled from what I found online here and here however all recipes say it serves 12? I would be inclined (thinking logically here) that the half recipe... would serve 6! Anyway, you have been warned. As you have the half recipes in the 2 websites above, I'll post what is in her book.
This image comes from Something Sweet By Karen's blog.
Ingredients:
-8 split chicken breasts (bone in, skin on)
-Good olive oil
-Kosher salt
-Freshly ground black pepper
-1 pound asparagus, ends removed, cut into thirds diagonally (we used edamame and it was delish! snow peas would work too!)
-2 red bell peppers, cored and seeded
-4 scallions (white and green parts), sliced diagonally
-2 Tbl white sesame seeds, toasted*

For the Dressing:
-1 cup vegetable oil
-1/4 cup good apple cider vinegar
-1/3 cup soy sauce
-3 Tbl dark sesame oil
-1 Tbl honey
-2 garlic cloves, minced
-1 tsp peeled, grated fresh ginger
-1 Tbl white sesame seeds, toasted*
-1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
-4 tsp kosher salt
-1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan and rub the skin with olive oil. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is just cooked. Set aside until cool enough to handle.

Remove the meat from the bones, discard the skin, and shred the chicken in large, bite-sized pieces.

Blanch the asparagus in a pot of boiling salted water for 3-5 minutes, until crisp-tender. Plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain. Cut the peppers into strips about the size of the asparagus pieces. Combine the shredded chicken, asparagus, and peppers in a large bowl.

Whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing and pour over the chicken and vegetables. Add the scallions and sesame seeds and season to tasted. Serve cold or at room temperature.

*Note: to toast sesame seeds, place them in a dry saute pan and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until browned.

Now I don't know if this is just my stubborn head, but I have a hard time calling something a "salad" when there isn't lettuce in it.. I know, tuna salad, egg salad.. I'm at peace with those salads.. but have the dilemma with this recipe! The first time I enjoyed it, I put it in a tortilla and made it into a wrap! Very yummy, and it made it a wrap not a salad! It really is tasty all by itself too though.. whatever you want to call it!

When my mom made it she cut everything up into small pieces. The second photo above shows everything in much larger pieces.. Just wanted to point that out. Also, she shredded the chicken all the way which made it different as well. I think both ways would work just fine! Using edamame was probably easier too - especially if you just buy the steam kind and prepare it in the microwave - no blanching and plunging necessary!

What do you think? Would you give it a try as a side dish at your next lunch or dinner party?

8.22.2010

Almost weekly ramblings?

Hello readers!! Boy was I kidding myself thinking I would be posting almost daily! Almost a week has gone by and I have much to blog about! I just heated up leftover morning coffee and put on some yummy, relaxing tunes and am settling in for a relaxing Sunday afternoon! But let's back up.

This past Wednesday was a confusing day. I attended a funeral for a girl that I went to church with when I was younger. She was two years younger than me and in the same school distract. Sadly, we learned that she committed suicide. This is such a devastating thing to sort through and I'm not even family, nor did I know her well. I remember that she had a rough time in high school and even got poisoned once by evil classmates in retaliation for turning them in for something. Thinking back on this horrible thing angers me! High school is such a rough time for so many people and emotions are just crazy! I can't help but wonder what effect this event had for her..

All of this reawakens my passion and dream for working with young women in high school and trying to help them sort through the mess and drama and emotions of high school. I feel like my future work passions go in many directions- wanting to work with the mentally ill, women/ young women, individuals with self-esteem / eating disorder concerns, veterans, older adults... I guess it is a good thing that I have so many interests! But seriously, I want to march my fancy MSW self into local high schools and educate (and mentally shake my finger at mean kids) about what is going on - on so many different levels. I once had someone tell me that if you want to work in the high schools/ or with that age group in a counseling capacity it is better to do it sooner rather than later as soon I'll lose my ability to relate? Not sure how valid that is, but for the time being I have a different career route set up.. more on that later!

Back to Wednesday being confusing. So the funeral was Wednesday morning/ afternoon and left me with feelings and emotions of anger, frustration, sadness, empathy, confusion.. etc. Wednesday night the husband came home!! The last time I saw him was July 25.. so over three weeks! How exciting!! Fortunately I had time after the funeral to do some last minute cleaning and pick up some boy food! Mike was home for two full days and left Saturday morning. Everything about our time together was just perfect! Visited with both sets of parents, date night, and just good quality us time.
Unfortunately we didn't get any good pictures of the two of us, but love this of my man!! <3
Thursday I had an interview with the local Council On Aging. It went really, really well, and am pleased to announce that they called the next day with a job offer!! I'm hoping to firm up some details tomorrow and make it official! So excited!! My start date is Sept. 7 which really is great timing. I will wait until everything is finalized to tell you more about it and the program and what I will be doing!!
I am so in the habit of labeling what I talk about on my blog with pictures... so to add to your reading pleasure.. the COA logo!! ;)

This morning I went to church and was blessed with hearing a great sermon! I love when preachers focus on a passage (this morning it was Hebrews 13:1-6) and break it down and makes application points. While the service at this church does not have the liturgy I am so familiar with, it is nice to go to a church with young, passionate people who gather to serve the Lord! Verse 5 and 6 particularly resonated with me "..be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" The preacher repeated a few times "He is with us", "He is sufficient". Good stuff!

OK I feel like this is getting super lengthy! Thanks for staying with me! I'll post a few more random thoughts I want to share within the next few days!

8.16.2010

3 months!!

Happy 3 month anniversary to me and my hubby!!! YAY! Here is one of my favorite wedding pictures to help celebrate today!
It was a good weekend - it really flew bye! Friday I accompanied my mom to the outlet mall. We found a lot of great deals and many things that I want to come back for once I have a job and a little extra income! For dinner we went to my new favorite sports bar, Sammy's, for dinner and then to the free local summer concert! It was SO hot outside that it was a pretty miserable experience - oh well!! Good company at least with with Mom and Dad Moran and Seagram!

Saturday was pretty low key, I think? I watched the movie The Other Boleyn Girl and FINISHED my crochet project!! Can you believe it?? In total it was probably more like 10 hours than 5, but it went pretty quickly!! I will post a picture once I put together a fall outfit to wear it with! :) :)

Sunday my cousin, her husband, and two kids stopped in at my parent's house on their way back to Canada so we spent a good part of the day with them before they were back on the road! The have a daughter who is 3 and a 6 month old baby girl!! The kids were very cute!! This isn't the best picture, but it's me and Kristina (yay for a Kristina that spells it the right way!).
I also went back to the church I went to last weekend. Once again I loved the worship, but the head pastor was just getting back from a 3 month sabbatical and was talking about that mostly. Will have to go back and see what a "typical" Sunday looks like!

I've been feeling guilty for not posting any pictures of Fiv! So here are a few! :)


OK I need to get on with my day! Have a great day!!

8.14.2010

Mike's pictures!

Mike sent a bunch of pictures the past 2 days! Enjoy!

Waiting to go..
Mike's "office for the day"
The gunner

This pic is from this morning. Mike said, "It's dusty today so I gotta look gangsta!" HAHAH!

8.13.2010

Crafty alert!

Happy Friday!!! I'm so excited to report that I've picked up my crochet hook and am working on a new project for the fall/ winter! It has been a good 2-3 years since I crocheted my first scarf, so I was a little worried it would be tricky to pick it back up again! I'm proud to say I've successfully completed two rows of the double crochet stitch! I picked up the free pattern at Michaels and it tells me I can finish this project in 5 hours... YEAH RIGHT! At least it is still blazin' hot outside so even if it takes me 5 weeks it will be done in time for the fall/ cooler weather!!

This is the pattern - it's called "Afternoon Breeze Shawl"

I'm making it with Lion Brand Organic Cotton yarn in "Pistachio" (below) instead of the "Pecan" color in the photograph. You can find the instructions here and helpful tips on how to crochet here.

Enjoy!

8.12.2010

French Dip Sandwiches

Last month I posted a recipe for slow-cooker french dip sandwiches. My mom made them last night and they did not disappoint!! In case you like having a picture to go with the recipe (I always do!) I found this picture and the recipe online:

Let me know if you make it and what you think!!

8.11.2010

Healthy Choice

The meeting this morning went well!! Time to wait and see :)

For lunch I had my first lean cuisine / healthy choice microwave meal since being in grad school! It took me back (not all that long ago) to lunches in the lounge with the girls! Boy do I miss seeing them all the time and walking to class with them! More on this in a later blog post..

In case y'all ever do the microwave meals for lunch / dinner, wanted to recommend what I just had for lunch! It is made by Healthy Choice and is part of their "All Natural Entrees" collection - Portabella Marsala Pasta!
Most of the meals in the all natural entrees are vegetarian (if not all?) but that doesn't so much bother me! I have heard many positives about being vegetarian at least a few days out of the week! I also really like the Asian Potstickers but would not recommend the Pumpkin Squash Ravioli (not sure what the heck I was thinking when I bought that one! bleh)! Anywho, just wanted to share!!

What are your favorite microwave meals?

Midweek update!

Happy Wednesday!! *yawn* still working on my coffee!!

Exciting news! I have a meeting / interview with a psych temp agency today! The lady told me to come in to get processed assuming that I will be starting work soon! Well who knows how soon that will really be, but I'm thrilled to feel like I'm making progress, even if it just ends up being a temp job! I'm really toying with that line of NEEDING a job before I go insane, so this is good timing! Some jobs they offer are "full time, temp to hire", so that's what I'm hoping for. I've had good luck in the past working as a temp (although with a different agency) so I'm pretty excited!

I still have not heard back from the people I had my interview with 2 weeks ago - called to follow up this Monday and haven't heard anything... The job openings are starting to be less and less. I think this week I've only been able to find a handful to apply for.

Last week I went to a new church out by where I live! I really think I could like it! There are a lot of young people and it seems entirely possible that it would be easy to get involved and feel at home! Hoping to go back this week! This is the same church that I will be attending a bible study in September.

What else! I have read 3 of the 4 Twilight books! So crazy - I never thought I'd get into them! I'm picking up the 4th and final book tonight and will probably have it read by the weekend!! In between book 3 and 4 I started Eat, Pray, Love in anticipation of the moving coming out! I'm only a little bit into it, but so far am enjoying!!

Mike comes "home" in a week!!! YAY! Haven't figured out arrangements but you better believe I will drive the two hours to get to him as soon as possible! He seems to be doing well from what I hear - I think he is having a hard time sleeping which never helps things and is feeling bored a lot. Earlier this week or late last week they did a "humvee roll over training":

Not really sure what all it entails, but sounds fun! Mike isn't in the above picture, but he sent.. well whatever the heck this thing is! Below is Mike in his typical daily garb! Can only imagine how hot all that gear is!


Yesterday they were kicking doors down and clearing houses and fun activities like that!

Cats are both doing fine! Fiv has seemed to healed from whatever the heck that thing was called! Thank goodness!! Amelia had her 2nd birthday yesterday! Here are two pictures of baby Amelia soon after we got her in Alabama!! Sooooo tiny!!




Ok! That's it for now - gotta get in working lady mode!

8.08.2010

Appetizers!

As promised, back for more! I have two new appetizer recipes to share from Martha Stewart Living magazine. Both are super duper easy!!

The first uses peppadew peppers (a sweet red pepper) and chive and onion cream cheese. When I "made" (=assembled) them with my mom this past weekend, we cut the pepper into half or thirds, depending on the size and used a spoon to fill the pepper with cream cheese! Finish off with tooth picks and that is it!! Here is a picture - although it doesn't look that spectacular (I'm not as patient with the cream cheese filling process as dear Martha Stewart would probably prefer), they sure were yummy!
Appetizer number two has watermelon, fresh basil (torn into smaller pieces), cherry tomatoes, olive oil and sea salt! Basically, cube the watermelon and skewer on a tooth pick, followed by basil and lastly, tomato! Once you have them assembled, brush with olive oil and sea salt and you are done! Too easy!
Food Network goddess, Giada De Laurentiis has a similar recipe but uses balsamic vinegar and sugar instead of the salt and oil combo!
Regardless of which version you choose, this tasty treat is full of freshness and yumminess, perfect for summer! AND this is coming from someone who used to hate tomatoes...

Seriously, seriously??

OK so I absolutely told myself I would wait until after I got back from church and had more coffee for this blog post, but it seems that it needs to happen NOW!!! I keep hearing about this phenomena and need to share!

On the radio a few days ago, the djs were talking about a back to school list that was put out by ??? and one of the items that they joked about that was on there are "jeggings". No this is not a type-o, it is a real deal thing!!!
Who thought skinny jeans couldn't get.. skinnier? I'm sorry, this bothers me!! This wonder found at New York & Company describes the jegging as a style that "looks like a jean and fits like a legging." Have I been in a fashion hole??? A quick google search of "jegging" is a clear indicator that yes indeed, I have. Not only can you find them at more reasonably priced retailers like American Eagle and JC Penny, but the designer jean folks are in on this trend too!
This pair found at Joe's Jeans fortunately does not call it the "jegging", but we are all in on it now!! In my latest hobby of reading fashion blogs I've come across rumors that the regular legging look is not here to stay and may already be considered dated.. so what gives with the jegging?
I'm not convinced it will actually cover more or that more consumers will find they can wear them, but what do I know! Maybe I'm just misinformed and this hot item really will be a wardrobe lifesaver... it just looks.. itchy!! It appears this tv actress from 30 Rock is the model for Joe's jeans jeggings, according to In Style.. and I guess she does a good job with it? It helps seeing the full look, but I still don't think they are wearable for most people!

What are your thoughts??

OK, more to come after church - perhaps a less sarcastic post too! :)

8.06.2010

Favorites!

OK - I've been wanting to do a top 10 favorite list for the summer and finally have my stuff together to do it! Warning: this is a pretty girlie list! One of the many reasons I wanted to start this blog was to share things that I like (from new recipes to fashion to whatever!) that you may like for yourself too! So, get ready for the first ever Almost Daily Ramblings top 10 list!

Number 10: Busken's Skinny Cookie
Those local blog readers know my love for the original Busken cookie - and after tasting this "half the fat all the flavor" cookie, I was impressed! Nice work, Busken!

Number 9: Purses!
I've been helping my mom find the perfect purse and it has given me the purse bug!! I particularly LOVE this shape, style and color for fall - this purse happens to be in the fall line of Doncaster! Of course we ran into a few new favorites at the Coach Outlet too, but I resisted as I'm not so much able to be purchasing new purses right now!












Number 8: Almond M&M's
There has been a lot of talk about the new pretzel M&M's, but after trying them, I must say I wasn't all that impressed! I love the sweet and salty combo, but would rather have my M&M's separate from the pretzels. On the other hand, these Almond M&M's are genius! So yummy!











Number 7: Etsy + flower earrings
For those of you not familiar with Etsy, it's time to get familiar!! It is a wonderful website that claims to be "your place to buy and sell all things handmade, vintage, and supplies." I'm currently loving flower earrings. Haven't found the perfect ones, but think that these are pretty fun!



















Number 6: Opi's Hong Kong Spring / Summer Collection
I personally love "Hot & Spicy" in this collection - I think it is a fun orange that will take you into the fall. It has enough peachy / pink tones that it's not Halloween-y but still bright and fun!
The Fall/ Winter Collection "Swiss" is also out and has some promising colors - I'm liking the blues and greens: Yodel Me on My Cell, Ski Teal We Drop, & Cuckoo For This Color






Number 5: Big Rings
I know big rings have been in style for probably forever, but I just purchased my first semi-big ring not too long ago! It's a white "square stone ring" from the Limited and I love how the white jazzes outfits up for the summer! It's even on sale now and comes in other colors too!
Number 4: Summer Beer
I am in love with Samuel Adam's Summer Ale! An American Wheat Ale described as "citrusy with a hint of spice from lemon zest and rare Grains of Paradise." Makes a nice change from Bud Light Lime! Note: I think this beer is much better on draft!



Number 3: Cake Wrecks
Cake Wrecks is the name of a blog that features disaster cakes - "when professional cakes go horribly, hilariously wrong". This blogger is hilarious!! I find myself laughing out loud at times when I read her description of some of these cakes!!! Definitely worth checking out on a regular basis!!!

Number 2: Hobo International Rachel Wallet
I first became aware of Hobo International while I was living in Tuscaloosa. One of the stores I went to for jewelry had a good selection of their line! This make is pretty pricey, but the wallets are gorgeous, fun and vintage looking! Needless to say, I had been on the hunt for the "Rachel" wallet for some time, but was waiting for the fall line to come out.. yadda yadda. Anyway, after a trip to TJ Maxx I realized they sometimes carry Hobo International! That was enough for me, I was determined to find MY wallet at TJ's for a reduced price!!! Sure enough, the wallet gods (kidding, kidding) were on my side and I found it for 70% off!! SCORE!!! Side note: Maxxinistas, I noticed the other day that they started carrying designer jeans like 7 For All Mankind, Diesel, and Joe's Jeans!




Number 1: Fashion blogs!!!!!!
OMG! I'm so excited about this new discovery!! I love InStyle magazine, but magazines can be so expensive -- this is a total fix! Read: free! My favorite is a blog called The Chloe Conspiracy. Chloe posts an outfit of the day almost every day and includes the picture and links to where you can get those pieces AND similar styles!
 
She also does another site called See Chloe Shop where she posts daily lists of deals at various stores, and her top picks at each of those stores. My style is not always aligned with hers, but most of the time I really like what she puts together and find that it gives me inspiration for what I can mix and match in my own closet!
 
Another fashion blog I love is called Uber Chic for Cheap. Blogger Madeline also posts sale info at various stores, in addition to posting pictures of styles from more expensive stores like J Crew and Anthropologie and similar look-a-like styles for less! Gotta love a bargain shopper!

Other sites I like but don't frequent as often: Be Real Luxe, Cupcakes and Cashmere, and I am Style-ish! Enjoy!

Ok folks, I'm spent! Happy Friday!